Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Man with batteries

First transplantation of left ventricular assist device Sputnik was conducted in the N.V.Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine (Moscow)


Two weeks after the operation, carried out by chief Moscow transplant surgeon, director of the N.V.Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine Prof. Dr. Mogeli Sh. Khubutia, the patient returned to normal life and go back home. Before this operation, there were only several transplantations of Sputnik LVAD in the Russian federal centers because of the fear of regional surgeons to conduct such a complicated operation – implantation of titanium pump below the heart to the left ventricular and ascending aorta. The pump offloads diseased left ventricle ensures the patient required blood flow in the normal range.

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Before Sputnik LVAD was created and patented, all of Russian hospitals bought such devices in the USA or Germany (price was over 10 million rubles for one device – not every Russian region can afford it). Team of Russian scientists and engineers from Zelenograd Innovation and Technology Center created first Russian high quality LVAD, which is 2 times cheaper than USA or German LVADs.

"The pump has a unique antithrombogenic carbon nano-coating which prevents the sedimentation of blood cells on the pump internal surface, - explains to "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" leading research scientist of the N.V.Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine, heart surgeon Sergey Shemakin.

- So we avoiding the risk of blood clots, which body produces to "protest" against the introduction of a foreign implant into the cardiovascular system. "

There is only one disadvantage of first Russian LVAD Sputnik – the patient must wear special bag with batteries most of the day (he need to recharge them ones in 24 hours). Batteries are connected to the pump by the percutaneous lead.Unfortunately, Russian scientists and engineers did not invent perpetual pump rotor yet. However, the patient of Dr. Mogeli Sh. Khubutia, after two weeks, says that he is ready to carry everywhere at least a bag of charcoal - he feels great after surgery.

"The device, which was created by our scientists, is a complete alternative to heart transplantation, - says Dr. Mogeli Sh. Khubutia.

- There is an agreement with the Moscow City Government about five LVADs witch must always be available for emergency at our Institute. "

Source:  "Rossiyskaya Gazeta"